Definition
Lymph nodes are small filter stations throughout the body that play a central role in activating the immune system. Swelling due to an increase in volume occurs during lymph node activation and is usually associated with inflammatory events or a malignant disease such as cancer. In the case of inflammation, one would speak of a benign disease, so to speak. Irrespective of the cause of lymph node swelling, it is worth clarifying in combination with other warning symptoms and depending on the localization in order to protect the mother and the unborn child.
The possible causes
The increase in volume of a lymph node is based on the fact that the scavenger cells of the immune system sit in this filter station and eliminate harmful pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, as well as other particles (degenerated, potentially malignant cells, and toxic substances). The lymph nodes, which can also be palpated from the outside, are regional lymph nodes, i.e. they are responsible for an assigned body area. In the event of a local or systemic inflammatory reaction, the immune cells migrate to their lymph node stations where they begin their defense.
This leads to an enlargement and possibly to pressure pain. A contributing factor is that the number of white blood cells (leukocytosis) increases during pregnancy. This is intended to help the immune system to fight off infections and protect the child and the mother.
Overall, the immune system can be regarded as sensitive during pregnancy. Lymph node activation and swelling are more noticeable than in a non-pregnant woman. As mentioned above, lymph node swelling can be caused by either a malignant or benign disease.
Infections are a common cause, in rare cases also autoimmune diseases and storage diseases. Infections can be harmless diseases such as colds, gastrointestinal or urinary tract infections, but more serious diseases can also lead to lymph node swelling. Particular caution is advised with the disease complex, which is also abbreviated as “STORCH”, and about which information is provided at the beginning of each pregnancy.
These are the diseases syphilis, toxoplasmosis, O (characteristic of “Others”) rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex. Mothers who have neither undergone these diseases nor been vaccinated against them are at risk of becoming ill during pregnancy. This can cause permanent damage to the child.
In case of lymph node enlargement, which cannot be explained by other infections, these STORCH diseases should be taken into consideration. Enlargement due to autoimmune or storage diseases is less common. If the lymph node is non-displaceable and painless, rather dermal enlarged, the possibility of a malignant genesis should be clarified. This could be a lymphoma (lymph node cancer) or a spread of the cancer from another organ.
All articles in this series:
